I was just thinking about taking the arts exam and you said I've been playing supporting roles

Chapter 558 The Ultimate Showdown!

The applause lasted for a long time.

As Robert Redford returned to his seat on the jury with a smile, host John Mulany steadily walked to the center of the stage.

"Hello, dear viewers!"

"Welcome to the Sundance Film Festival Awards Ceremony. I am John Mulani, the host of this ceremony."

As soon as the person on stage finished speaking, the audience erupted in applause.

"A low-key, intelligent comedian, quite different from the flamboyant Hollywood type."

His slightly comical accent immediately drew laughter from the audience.

This is the first time I've seen a host introduce themselves like this; it's definitely much more interesting than those serious and solemn ones.

Chen Jin's gaze fell in the direction of John Mulany.

This internationally acclaimed stand-up comedian joined Saturday Night Live as a host in 2008.

His style is unique.

He is very good at using his own life experiences to create jokes that are layered and relatable.

In general.

John Mulany's comedic talent was innate.

"At this moment, we gather here in joy."

"It's not just about an awards ceremony, but about celebrating our spirit of moving forward."

"As long as you believe in independent voices, you can have the power to change the world."

"This is the spirit of Saint Denis."

Snapped!Snapped!Snapped!
Everyone in the audience deeply understood this.

Hollywood has always pursued big-budget productions, leaving many talented independent filmmakers without opportunities to showcase their work.

It was the Sundance Film Festival that gave them a platform to showcase their talents.

As for tonight—

"We will crown every messenger who embodies this spirit. Now let us begin this celebration!"

"Let's celebrate our first award together."

"Alfred Sloan Award".

Zhu Yanmanzi looked at Chen Jin.

The person in front of me had their gaze fixed on the stage, their expression quite serious.

They had discussed this award before; it is a very unique and meaningful one.

It is generally not awarded to the most mainstream or commercial films, but rather to films that have outstanding achievements in the fields of science, technology, or mathematics.

Relatively speaking.

This award is positioned quite rigorously within the film festival, to the point that it is largely considered an obscure category.

They will be given priority when awards are presented.

but--

This does not mean that the Alfred Sloan Award is of a low level.

It can only be said that each award has a different meaning, but the Alfred Sloan Award is more profound and scientific.

Congratulations on "Type I Origin"!

As John Mulany's voice came from the stage, Mike Cahill raised an eyebrow.

Applause erupted from the surrounding area.

No one was surprised that Mike Cahill won the award, as he had already won it in 2011 for "Another Earth".

This director, who focuses on science fiction settings and explores human nature issues, truly deserves the title.

Mike Cahill delivered his acceptance speech on stage.

He was clearly in high spirits.

Compared to the passion on the awards stage, Chen Jin was quite calm.

The awards announced earlier were not very relevant to them; most of them were given to works that were not classified as mainstream commercial films or short films.

The major awards are usually awarded in the middle to later stages of the awards ceremony.

The awards ceremony is still ongoing.

Overall, the awards ceremony at the Sundance Film Festival differs from the other three major international film festivals.

The awards will be more diverse.

In addition to the highest honors, the Jury Prize and the Audience Award, there are also several individual awards for directors, screenwriters, cinematographers, editors, and so on.

Besides.

The classification of each unit is also clearly defined.

The discussions on the field were constant, and the same was true in the live broadcast room.

The camera frequently cut to Chen Jin's location, making everyone quite eager to see how "Dallas Buyers Club" would fare.

"Such a popular movie deserves a Jury Prize, right?"

"The Saint-Denis Film Festival is much better than other international film festivals; it shouldn't be a case of a popular film inevitably failing."

"Our Brother Jin is sure to win the grand prize!"

"Don't get too excited yet. This year's big hits aren't just Jin-ge's movies."

Netizens were discussing it animatedly.

Regardless, everyone certainly hopes to see Chen Jin win the grand prize.

As for Chen Jin, he remained unfazed even if Mount Tai collapsed before him.

Now comes the moment of truth. Even if he is nervous now, it will probably be of no use. He might as well just accept it.

"The recipient of the Special Jury Prize at the Sundance Film Festival is—"

The voices on stage pulled Chen Jin back to reality, and his gaze settled on John Mulany's position.

Such excited voices were followed by cheers from the crowd.

Special Jury Prize.

A relatively flexible incentive award.

Basically, it is to recognize works that have made outstanding achievements in a specific area or have a great social impact.

Overall, its existence can be seen as making up for the limitations that some fixed awards may have.

"Dear White People, Night Lodgers!"

"Congratulations to both of these works for winning the Jury Special Award."

After a brief silence, even more enthusiastic applause followed.

The Saint-Denis Film Festival does indeed often see "double yolks" (two films produced equal to one other).

In the same competition category within the same year, in order to encourage different styles and artistic voices, the same award will be given to two or more works.

Chen Jin felt the somber atmosphere while watching these two works.

"Dear White People" explores the issue of racial discrimination.

Through the lens of a campus comedy, the film presents how several Black characters survive in a white-dominated society.

The entire work is full of prejudice and controversy.

As the issues surrounding race are peeled back layer by layer, everyone is forced to think deeply about this problem.

As for "The Night Lodger," its main theme is the refugee issue.

When marginalized groups are subjected to expulsion and protests, the pastor's good intentions are drawn into controversy.

This story is complex and incisive, making it impossible to ignore the problems it raises.

Perhaps noticing Zhu Yanmanzi's gaze, Chen Jin turned to look at the person beside him. His girlfriend was staring at him intently, her mind completely elsewhere than on the awards ceremony.

What are you thinking about?

Chen Jin's voice interrupted Zhu Yanmanz's thoughts.

The person in front of me shrugged, a hint of expectation flashing in their eyes.

"Which award do you think 'Dallas Buyers Club' will win?"

So far, all those present have been merely there to make up the numbers, without winning any awards.

Matthew was clearly getting restless.

He would glance around from time to time.

Chen Jin's gaze returned to the stage, and he already knew which award he would win.

As for now.

There are very few awards left on the stage.

The festival includes the Director Award, the Audience Award, and the Grand Jury Prize. Among these, the Audience Award and the Grand Jury Prize are arguably the most coveted honors of the entire film festival.

simply put.

The awards system of the Sundance Film Festival is not a simple pyramid structure, but more like a spectrum.

As for those located right in the middle of the spectrum, those are the Jury Prize and the Audience Prize.

These two awards are not as singular as those of the other three major international film festivals.

The Grand Jury Prize alone is divided into feature films and documentaries.

The same applies to the audience award.

In addition to these two, the World Cinema section and the Next Innovation Award have also been added.

These award-winning works are basically selected by ordinary viewers who buy tickets to watch the movies, which simply represents the popularity and public interest of the films.

Both awards are highly prestigious.

after all--

The Sundance Film Festival focuses on the development of independent films, but also values ​​communication with the audience.

If a work could win both of these awards at the same time, it would be of extraordinary significance.

of course.

Currently, this situation has not occurred.

Just as everyone was whispering among themselves, a figure appeared on the stage.

When everyone looked over, they realized that the host had already changed.

The person appearing in the public eye at this moment is Nero Kroll, who co-hosted the opening ceremony of the awards ceremony with John Mulaney.

His presence was enough to prove that the awards ceremony was nearing its climax.

"Ladies and gentlemen, good evening!"

A calm and collected voice echoed throughout the hall as Nilo Kroll smiled and looked down at the crowd.

"I'm sure everyone has been waiting for this for a long time."

"Next, the highlight of the Sundance Film Festival is about to begin."

As soon as Nilo Kroll spoke, the noise in the arena instantly subsided.

Everyone stared at the spot in front of them.

We await his announcement of the long-awaited award.

As the award letter in his hand was opened, Nilo Kroll's expression showed a hint of understanding when he saw the name on the card.

The sudden turn of events sparked a flurry of speculation.

"Somewhat unexpected, yet also reasonable."

Nilo Kroll kept everyone in suspense, a scene that clearly left those present somewhat amused and bewildered.

"Next, I will announce the Best Director award."

These words were spoken.

Jean-Marc Varley sat up straight; he had been waiting all night for the chance to win the award that would satisfy him.

Matthew and he exchanged a glance, and both of their hearts visibly began to pound.

Director Award.

As the name suggests, it is an award given to the most outstanding film directors in terms of directing skills.

However, this year's cohort is brimming with talent.

In a short time.

The noise in the room faded away, and everyone seemed to be waiting for the moment when the answer would be revealed.

Inside the live stream, everyone's enthusiasm reached its peak.

"Isn't it our turn, Dallas Buyers Club?"

"Now there are still the Director Award, the Audience Award, and the Jury Grand Prix left. If I win all three, it will definitely be a trending topic."

"This may not be easy to achieve; the Sundance Film Festival has never had a case of doing everything."

"..."

The live stream was filled with comments from netizens.

Ultimately, whoever wins over Chen Jin wins the hearts of the people.

Even though most people haven't seen the movie yet, they still have a good impression of "Dallas Buyers Club" because of Chen Jin's presence.

"Hey, Varley."

Are you confident you can win this big prize?

Matthew looked at the person beside him; both of them appeared relatively tense.

When faced with the question from the person in front of him, Jean-Marc Varley did not know how to respond.

But a faint sense of anticipation stirred within me.

Given the immense popularity of "Dallas Buyers Club," winning an award might not be too difficult.

"Fishing Without Nets" by Cartel Hoddiyen.

what--

what?
Not only the people present, but even Chen Jin couldn't help but raise an eyebrow slightly.

The Best Director award saw a major upset?
It's worth noting that the director of "Fishing Without Nets," Katel Hodjahn, was just an unknown newcomer.

If it weren't for the award, he would even be in a state of "not being found".

This film, in particular, a niche and low-budget independent film made by a new director, actually managed to beat out hits like Rich Hill and Dallas Buyers Club to win the Best Director award.

An absolute silence fell over the field.

Chen Jin glanced sideways at Jean-Marc Valéry beside her.

To be honest, from his every move just now, Chen Jin could clearly sense that he was determined to win the Best Director award this time.

Who would have thought?

Suddenly, someone unexpectedly snatched the director award from the crowd.

Just then, a figure appeared in the audience and ran quickly toward the podium, looking quite spirited.

That's right, this person is Cartel Hoddieyan.

A new director who is only 27 years old.

"Don't be discouraged, we still have a chance."

Chen Jin's voice reached Jean-Marc Varley's ears, and after a brief moment of surprise, he nodded slightly.

Perhaps it was because the belief was too strong.

So much so.

When his hopes were dashed, Jean-Marc Varley felt a little disappointed.

However, this feeling was fleeting. Being able to stand out from the overwhelming popularity of mainstream commercial films and win the Best Director award is enough to prove that Kathleen Hodieyan has real talent.

The people on stage were still recounting the difficulties they faced while filming "Fishing Without Nets".

The entire acceptance speech lasted five minutes, during which Carter Hodgeon once again raised the trophy high, his pride evident on his face.

"All right."

"The exciting moment has arrived!"

Nilo Kroll's voice echoed throughout the entire venue.

Upon hearing this, everyone already knew which award was about to be presented.

The Jury Prize.

This award, selected by an official professional jury, will bestow the highest level of honor upon the film.

Not only that.

If you are fortunate enough to win the Jury Prize, the influence of your work will increase significantly, and you may even easily gain access to the mainstream market.

In an instant, the crowd's emotions were clearly heightened, and the applause and cheers from the audience came one after another.

The situation is still undecided.

Everyone here has the opportunity to win this highest honor.

Everyone became eager to try, their eyes fixed on the podium in front of them, waiting for the winner to be announced.

Chen Jin's fingers tapped lightly on the back of the chair, completely unlike the tense feeling of the people around her.

As for what comes next—

The moment of truth will come.

(End of this chapter)